Blue Marsh Enduro October 27, 2007

Gentlemen: it appears we have a nice handful of guys planning to ride at Blue Marsh on the 27th! Right now our list includes John W, Steve H, Nate K, Josh K, Buzzhog & his friend Dave?, nHurD & his friend Bob?, Jeff W, Stick and Trekmike. This is an open invitation to anyone interested. Just let us know your intent on this thread.

We plan to leave Bucks County around 0600-0630 hours at a meeting place to be announced. We will need to work out transportation and bike racks with consideration for those that may have to bail at the halfway point. So, if someone needs to leave, it will be important that the right vehicles are placed at the halfway point. We will begin at the Church Road parking area and stop at the Stilling Basin to refill water & eat before completing the ride. We will have to leave cars at the stilling Basin to store our water and supplies before completing the ride. Those not wanting to pedal the whole thing can leave from the Stilling Basin. This is a mixed group of fitness & skill levels. Everyone will have somebody to ride with!

Things to consider for those not having done this ride before:

water is important. Do not ration your water, bring plenty to stay hydrated and refill at the Stilling Basin. In cooler temperatures a 70oz Camelbak and two bottles are sufficient with the ability to refill. We may need a few large water coolers so everyone can refill.

carbohydrate foods. Eat a good breakfast. Keep eating on the trail at least hourly to maintain your energy levels. Bring something very digestable for lunch and then something for the post ride recovery. Some find energy drinks helpful, but pure water is critical.

proper attire. Who knows what the weather will be. Thankfully, we most likely will not get wet on this ride but bring extra socks just in case. Bring a change of clothes for after the ride. If it is cool, you may want a wind breaker & full golves.

mechanical. Please make sure your bike is in good shape. Get it tuned up if necessary making sure your derailers are working correctly and brakes will stop your bike on the hills. Ride the bike after you get it back from the shop just to make sure it is right! Also, you will need tubes, pump or Co2 and other simple tools. However, with this many people someone will probably have what you need.

simple first aid. Carry some stuff to solve those minor injuries that can haunt you for the rest of the ride.

Obvioulsy this is open forum. Please post all questions, concerns & ideas on this thread.
Here is some feedback from people that have done Blue Marsh: Blue Marsh: detailed trail map

After the past couple of weeks that I've had, I could certainly go for a nice, long ride!

With that said, I may or may not have my car, but if I do, I should have an extra tray available for transporting a bike. My roommate (Bob) said he'd go, and I didn't get a chance to ask my friend, Steve (StrangerSteve), if he was willing to go either...

I discussed this informally with Steve H after the ride last May. He thought that having the stopping point a little before the half way point was nice because we can regroup, eat & hydrate before becoming more dispersed, famished and dehydrated. I thought stopping at that point was a little too soon also. You are an expert at BM therefore your suggestion carries some weight. I'd be glad to hear from others and make changes as necessary. Doing another three miles is probably a better deal. But how much more inconvenient will transportation back and forth be to set this up?

Another thought, bankofdad reminded me that there will be hunters out that weekend (bow season maybe). While he didn't think the risk was great we might want to wear bright clothes.

Great to have you on board Joe!
Jon, I know you have car problems, but there are plenty of folks going that can help you out. My pick-up can take four bikes on a rack plus supplies in the bed. There is a bench seat in the rear cab for passengers too. We will have a better idea on this stuff as people chime in on the discussion...

Transportation

We need to start talking about transportation and bike racks so we have an idea before we meet next Saturday. It has been suggested that we meet at the Bensalem Lowes parking lot because there is an entrance ramp onto the turnpike right there. Any extra vehicles can be left there for pick-up on our return. Please chime in if you have a car available and bike rack so we can figure some of this out beforehand. Also, if you have water coolers that you can bring, let us know.As suggested by Stick, we will use the State Hill Boat ramp as the half way point instead of the Stilling Basin.

We need to start talking about transportation and bike racks so we have an idea before we meet next Saturday. It has been suggested that we meet at the Bensalem Lowes parking lot because there is an entrance ramp onto the turnpike right there. Any extra vehicles can be left there for pick-up on our return. Please chime in if you have a car available and bike rack so we can figure some of this out beforehand. Also, if you have water coolers that you can bring, let us know.As suggested by Stick, we will use the State Hill Boat ramp as the half way point instead of the Stilling Basin.

Mike - FYI,

In response to your earlier post, it's easy to get to State Hill to drop off cars. Assuming you remember how to get from the Church Rd Lot to the Stilling Basin lot (i.e. PA 183 to R on Palisades Rd) - just stay on Palisades Rd until you hit Reber's Bridge Rd. Turn Right on Reber's Bridge, then make a right when you see the State Hill entrance. Follow the entrance rd down to the parking lot by the lake.

Regarding transportation... I was planning on meeting you at BM/Church Rd, since driving to lowes first involves driving in the opposite direction from my house, then back again, and adds ~ 20 miles to my trip in each direction. That said - if you find yourself really stuck for lack of bike space, I'll probably have at least 2 empty spots on my rack. We can work something out by e-mail if it comes to that.

I figured that..

I figured you would just meet us there like you did last time. If we have a problem with bikes someone can arrange to meet you over your way, perhaps. I hope to solve the problem here.

And thanks for the directions to State Hill. That was good advice.

Originally Posted by Stick

Mike - FYI,

In response to your earlier post, it's easy to get to State Hill to drop off cars. Assuming you remember how to get from the Church Rd Lot to the Stilling Basin lot (i.e. PA 183 to R on Palisades Rd) - just stay on Palisades Rd until you hit Reber's Bridge Rd. Turn Right on Reber's Bridge, then make a right when you see the State Hill entrance. Follow the entrance rd down to the parking lot by the lake.

Regarding transportation... I was planning on meeting you at BM/Church Rd, since driving to lowes first involves driving in the opposite direction from my house, then back again, and adds ~ 20 miles to my trip in each direction. That said - if you find yourself really stuck for lack of bike space, I'll probably have at least 2 empty spots on my rack. We can work something out by e-mail if it comes to that.

I would be in for this. I'm looking for a point of reference on how long this ride actually is. I can do a full loop of the Wissahickon, which I've been told is around 20 miles. How does this ride compare?

I can fit my bike and crap in the back of my jeep and put my rack on the back to fit 2 bikes. I can only drive one other person with the back seat down though.

Where in bucks county are we looking at meeting. That might be a decent distance out of the way coming from southern montgomery county.

I would be in for this. I'm looking for a point of reference on how long this ride actually is. I can do a full loop of the Wissahickon, which I've been told is around 20 miles. How does this ride compare?

I can fit my bike and crap in the back of my jeep and put my rack on the back to fit 2 bikes. I can only drive one other person with the back seat down though.

Where in bucks county are we looking at meeting. That might be a decent distance out of the way coming from southern montgomery county.

The ride is around 23 miles I'm told and it shouldn't be technical like the Wiss, but it has some tough climbs.

The Lowe's trekmike is referring to is in lower Bucks County about a mile above the Philly/Bucks County line. It is right off exit 351 of the PA turnpike and Rt 1/ Roosevelt Blvd. It is also adjacent to the Neshaminy Mall and AMC Neshaminy 24 Movie Theatre.

I can fit 2 bikes on my bike rack, so I would be able to take one other person if need be.

Squads, the trail is not very technical at all, but it is most certainly an endurance play. We plan to do the 23 mile loop only because we have different ages, fitness levels and skill levels. Stick has done the 23 miles and then added the ski slope making it 30 some miles. Earlier in this thread I posted a link to some messages last March that can give you an idea of what the ride is like. If you can do the Wiss, you can do BM. I expect we will be back around 1800hrs or so. If the Neshaminy Mall is out of your way, you may consider talking to Stick. He is in the lower Montgomery County area (but check with him). But let us know if you plan to meet at the turnpike @ Lowes, Bensalem. We should meet at 0600 and hit the road by 0630hrs.

Just a heads up if anyone plans on the Ski slope loop, there are a few trees down, one is built up and ridable and one is sorta a bush wack and another has a go around. Also if you plan to do the entire loop, I'd suggest the Ski Slope loop first, cause not many feel compelled to do it after the lower 23. Although IMHO it is the toughest and most fun section.

Church Road

0800-0830

Originally Posted by WindWalker

What time you guys figure you'll be at Church RD?

Just a heads up if anyone plans on the Ski slope loop, there are a few trees down, one is built up and ridable and one is sorta a bush wack and another has a go around. Also if you plan to do the entire loop, I'd suggest the Ski Slope loop first, cause not many feel compelled to do it after the lower 23. Although IMHO it is the toughest and most fun section.

Church Road

0800-0830

Originally Posted by WindWalker

What time you guys figure you'll be at Church RD?

Just a heads up if anyone plans on the Ski slope loop, there are a few trees down, one is built up and ridable and one is sorta a bush wack and another has a go around. Also if you plan to do the entire loop, I'd suggest the Ski Slope loop first, cause not many feel compelled to do it after the lower 23. Although IMHO it is the toughest and most fun section.

Church Road

0800-0830

Originally Posted by WindWalker

What time you guys figure you'll be at Church RD?

Just a heads up if anyone plans on the Ski slope loop, there are a few trees down, one is built up and ridable and one is sorta a bush wack and another has a go around. Also if you plan to do the entire loop, I'd suggest the Ski Slope loop first, cause not many feel compelled to do it after the lower 23. Although IMHO it is the toughest and most fun section.

Church Road

0800-0830

Originally Posted by WindWalker

What time you guys figure you'll be at Church RD?

Just a heads up if anyone plans on the Ski slope loop, there are a few trees down, one is built up and ridable and one is sorta a bush wack and another has a go around. Also if you plan to do the entire loop, I'd suggest the Ski Slope loop first, cause not many feel compelled to do it after the lower 23. Although IMHO it is the toughest and most fun section.